Sewing, Thrifting, and an Embroidery Pattern

Color Me Retro Washi Tunic, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Happy Tuesday! Hope this week is off to a good start for everyone! Personally, I'm having such a hard time getting things done! Daylight savings has me all messed up.  You wouldn't think one hour would make such a big difference!  Hopefully I'll be sleeping normally by the end of the week! :)

I set aside Saturday this past weekend to work on something completely for myself.  I have been meaning to sew myself some Color Me Retro garments, but hadn't been able to find the time.  Seeing Rachel's Washi Tunic put me over the edge, I couldn't put it off any longer! I decided to go with Florette in Sapphire.  I've noticed that I wear my navy tops a TON, (for example the top I'm wearing in my head shot in the sidebar!), so I know this top will get a lot of wear.

Color Me Retro Washi Tunic, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

This was my second time using Rae Hoekstra's Washi Pattern.  Last time I made the dress version, but honestly, I very rarely wear dresses.  A top is much more practical for me. Thankfully Rae thought of that and included marks for a tunic version!  I already had the pattern pieces traced and cut onto Pellon Easy Pattern 830, so I was able to cut the fabric and sew up the top from start to finish easily.  I am so happy with how it turned out, it fits like a glove! It just needs a good wash.

PS - I love Easy Pattern, I trace all of my garment patterns on to it and use those to cut out my pieces.  I admit I have an entire bolt of the stuff, it's awesome.

Florette Embroidery Pattern, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I finally finished up my latest embroidery project. I actually had it finished a few weeks ago, but was unhappy with where I placed one of the colors.  I'm glad that I took the time to tear that part out and redo it.  This embroidery is based on my Florette print from Color Me Retro.  It's a quick and simple pattern using the backstitch.  You can find the pattern in my pattern shop.

Pom-pom making, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Been playing with a Clover Pom-Pom Maker this week! These are so fun to make!

Resisting, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I've also been playing around with some fabric dyeing.  This time I'm trying to find ways to make fabric dyeing more accessible.  Above is an experiment with alternative resists, in this case glue.  I'm gearing up for a big blog post later this month with my findings! I love fabric dyeing, but I know that it can be expensive, intimidating, and time consuming.  I'm trying to figure out how to get around those obstacles.  It's been fun!

Thrifting, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I realized last week that I had not been out on a dedicated thrifting trip since I was home over the holidays.  How crazy is that?! The thrifting here in Madison leaves much to be desired and I suppose things have just been a bit busy.  Anyways, Friday I took the time to go out! I think I came back with a pretty decent haul! I already hung the thread holder and filled it up.  I want to paint it, but that will have to wait for warmer weather.

George Softies, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Hehe, another fun project from last week.  I was poking around on Pinterest last week and came across this tutorial for pet pillows! It reminded me that Christina had made some little softies of her cats in the Fall, and it finally clicked that I had to make some of George! Of course I couldn't make just one. Michael thinks I need to make more.  He's claimed one, one is for me, and one is for a friend!

George Softies, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

George does not care for them.  Right after I took this photo he attacked one of the pillows, haha!

George, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Don't worry, he's not too shaken up about it :)

I'll be back to announce the winner of the Indygo Junction giveaway tomorrow!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Fresh air
Sound of: Harry Potter 4 Audiobook
Taste of: Cadbury egg
Sight of: Sunshine
Feel of: Wool socks

Good Things about Today:
- Got to the sewing machine today!
- Started practicing free motion feathers!
- Chocolate!
- George bunny running around the apartment today!